The Inside Scoop on Black Rice: Is It Good for You?

Just when we dietitians think we have set you straight on what you should be eating, a new product rolls into stores and you ask us about it. Have you strolled down the rice aisle and noticed a new hue of grain? Yes, that is black rice. But is it good for you?

The answer is…yes! It is good for you.

The options in the rice department are expanding quickly. Black rice has always been around but it wasn’t mainstream until recently. Now that specialty stores like Whole Foods are carrying it, people are asking what the deal is. Black rice totes most of the same benefits as brown (high fiber, lower glycemic load) but it also provides a good dose of antioxidants. Just like with fruits and vegetables, when something naturally has a strong color to it, you can pretty much guarantee it’s good for you! I don’t eat too many black foods right now but I am excited to try out this new grain! It’s definitely a way to get people talking about their food!

Are you afraid your family won’t eat black rice?! Some people have a harder time accepting new foods than others and I assume most people will look at black rice with a skeptical eye. Rather than scare your family or friends off with a big blob of black on their plate, try to incorporate some into the regular rice you make at first and see what they think. If they like it, great…if they don’t just try again and in a different way. The texture of black rice is chewier than brown but this makes it great for a cold rice & vegetable salad. It’s hearty nature will hold it’s shape well in a dish like that.

It’s hard enough getting people to eat pretty foods, never mind something as dark and intimidating as black rice. But just as we have all accepted brown as the new white because of it’s health benefits, we can try to work black into our diet as well. Everything is worth trying so grab some the next time you shop and add some color (plus antioxidants) to your plate!